Family and volunteers to serve up festive treat to the lonely on Christmas Day

Up to 150 folk who face being alone on Christmas Day are to be treated to a festive roast dinner – thanks to a big-hearted family and kindly volunteers.

Heather Johnstone, her mum Christine Johnstone and aunt Gillian Ward are inviting guests to the dinner on December 25 at Fleetwood Sea Cadets Base, on Princes Way, Fleetwood.

It will be the fifth time in seven years they will be serving-up the Christmas treat.

Guests are asked to arrive at noon. For those struggling to get there, transport is also available.

Mum-of-three Heather, 36, a professional community artist, said: “We have some lovely volunteers helping us and we always make sure they get fed as well!

“We’re just looking for the diners themselves to get in touch.

“It’s not about people being poor, it’s about them being alone on Christmas Day.

“That is a very lonely day to be all by yourself, especially when you know other peopl are with their families.

“It’s surprising how many people will be on their own – we’ve had some really heartbreaking stores over the years.”

Heather says they always try and shop locally for their supplies and receive support from Fleetwood churches.

So what is it like to spend Christmas day helping to serve food to so many people, many of them complete strangers?

Heather said: “It’s become part of our Christmas family tradition now, I love it.

“I love meeting our kind volunteers – this event really pulls the good people out of the woodwork, selfless people who give back to the community but don’t want anything in return.

“Sadly, I can’t see a time when there isn’t a need for this, because more and more people are spending time on their own at Christmas.”

Heather’s children help out too – Noah (14), Isaac (11) and six year old Harley-Rose enjoy doing their bit to help on the big day.

Heather said that in previous years she had been contacted by people from as far afield as York and Kent who wanted to attend the dinner but didn’t realise it was in Fleetwood.

She said: “There are obvious issues all over the country.”

To find out more about the event, contact Heather and the organisers through Healthier Fleetwood or phone Heather on 07958 558135.